U.S. Center COP26 – NASA Hyperwall Presentations

NASA recently participated in the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, an international summit focused on taking action to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The U.S. Center's main attraction was the NASA Hyperwall, where NASA scientists showcased how NASA’s global leadership in Earth observations, climate science, and research helps advance our understanding of the Earth's atmosphere, land, and ocean domains.

Two NASA Hyperwall presentations highlighted the importance of NASA Science Activation projects:

Dr. Charles K. Gatebe, Atmospheric Science Branch Chief at NASA Ames Research Center and Principal Investigator of the NASA Student Airborne Science Activation (SaSa) project, presented on SaSa's urgent mission to broaden participation for under-represented and under-served learners and build a more diverse workforce in geoscience. SaSa is a paid NASA internship program providing first-year undergraduate students from minority-serving institutions the opportunity to participate in a real, NASA airborne science campaign, working directly with NASA scientists and engineers to conduct cutting edge Earth and climate change research. Students receive training, mentorship, inspiration, and pathways toward future career opportunities in the geosciences. You can watch Dr. Gatebe's recorded talk for more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihn2WjYSz4U

In addition, Dr. Allison Leidner, Program Scientist at NASA Headquarters in the Earth Science Division and Program Manager for the GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) Program, gave an excellent talk on how GLOBE engages youth and citizen scientists in understanding our environment. GLOBE is an international science and education program led by NASA and co-sponsored by the National Science Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the US Department of State, that brings together students, teachers, and the public worldwide to participate in data collection and the scientific process while making a meaningful contribution to our understanding of the Earth system and global environment. The GLOBE Observer app developed with Science Activation support was highlighted in her talk. You can watch Dr. Leidner's recorded talk for full details: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GLyoMKRC-k

These are two great examples of how NASA's Science Activation Program connects NASA science experts, real content, and experiences with community leaders to do science in ways that activate minds and promote deeper understanding of our world and beyond.